-Linsey Clarke, U.S. Army

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Linsey grew up knowing that he wanted to serve his country, but didn’t realize just how his choice to enlist in the Army would shape his future. Every day, the men he served beside as a medic motivated him to give his best. Whether conducting missions or seeing patients in medical clinics in Afghanistan, he discovered countless opportunities to challenge himself and place others first. Returning home, he watched the families of his fallen friends turn tragedy into an opportunity to improve the lives of others. This left an indelible mark on Linsey, and combined with his experiences providing medical care to underserved populations in Afghanistan, inspired him to pursue a career as a physician.

Serving overseas, Linsey observed first-hand how individualized medical care transformed not only the patient, but also the whole community. Similar to the Afghans that traveled long distances to seek care in his medical clinic, Linsey sees critical gaps in care for rural communities in the United States with limited or no access to healthcare. Now, as a medical student at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, he is studying to become an emergency or family medicine physician, so he can practice in these underserved areas. In an ever-evolving healthcare environment that is driven by efficiency and profits, he is confident that the experience he gained in the military will be invaluable to help him treat those most in need.